Payton Jewell Caines have announced a £25,000 investment in their rental management division to service the continuing growth in the demand for management of rental property in the Bridgend and Port Talbot area.The investment includes the complete refurbishment of central offices, the introduction of a new online marketing campaign and the appointment of Bridget Hall as Maintenance Co-ordinator.

Led by Rental Manager Sara Hawkins, a member of the Association of Residential Letting Agents and the National Federation of Property Professionals, the team of six is regulated by the RICS. The team is already managing over 340 properties and is on target to achieve a 30% increase by early 2013.

John Caines, Managing Director of Payton Jewell Caines explains: “The residential property rental market is flourishing as high deposits and the uncertainty in the jobs market push many towards renting rather than buying. Increasingly, home owners are taking advantage of this demand by renting out properties rather than selling and we are also seeing investors coming back to the market with the number of buy-to-lets increasing as landlords invest in their portfolios. The rental market is definitely here to stay and that’s what gives us the confidence to invest.”

"All the research shows that the UK rental market is going to continue to grow. It is therefore essential that we are able to offer a first class service to landlords and tenants including a dedicated maintenance facility. Sara and her team are well qualified and highly experienced. This gives landlords peace of mind and the reassurance that their properties are in safe hands with us.”

The new rental team includes manager Sara Hawkins, negotiators Caroline Needs, Angela Amos and Ashleigh Lewis along with financial controllers Dawn Lamb and Andrea Wojcikowski. Bridget Hall is maintenance co-ordinator.

With three offices across Bridgend, Pencoed and Port Talbot, Payton Jewell Caines was established in 1978. More information is available at www.pjchomes.co.uk